A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a violent incident in which a co-pilot attacked the captain with a knife, putting passengers at risk. Israeli intelligence agencies are investigating the incident, believing the Omani co-pilot intended to carry out a terror attack against Israel.
According to reports from the Jerusalem Post and The New York Times, FlyDubai Flight 1073 made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in northern Saudi Arabia around 9:45 a.m. local time. The airport, which serves both military and civilian purposes, is located near the Jordanian border. Before returning to Tabuk, the aircraft reportedly descended approximately 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) in just two minutes around 8:20 a.m.
The incident occurred when the co-pilot attempted to stab the captain and bring the plane down. BBC reported that upon hearing screams from the cockpit, three to five young passengers intervened, subduing the co-pilot and providing first aid to the injured captain. Images from the scene showed a passenger with blood on his shirt while the aircraft, which had been in a steep descent, stabilized and landed safely at Tabuk Airport, where Saudi military authorities had surrounded the area. Israeli aviation authorities closed their airspace immediately after the incident but lifted the restriction after the plane landed. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir canceled a planned trip to the United States.
In a video message shortly after the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "It is clear that one of the pilots stabbed the other and attempted to bring the plane down." He added that the co-pilot had attempted to sabotage Israel's aviation system. Netanyahu confirmed that the co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities and is currently being questioned.
The Jerusalem Post cited government sources indicating that the suspect is an Omani national. In response, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced a suspension of FlyDubai's operations in Israel. The airline's operating license requires pilots to be from countries that have normalized diplomatic relations with Israel, which does not include Oman. The incident is under joint investigation by Israel's Mossad, domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, the Israel Defense Forces, and the Ministry of Transportation. Some foreign media have suggested that this incident could be a copycat of the September 11 attacks in 2001.
The flight carried a total of 174 passengers, 166 of whom were Israeli, according to the Jerusalem Post. These passengers departed from Tabuk Airport at 5:40 p.m. local time, heading to Israel. FlyDubai has since sent two replacement aircraft to transport the passengers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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